Instagram has introduced a new AI-powered feature that allows users to create customized backgrounds for their Stories using text prompts. The announcement was made by Meta’s generative AI lead, Ahmad Al-Dahle, in a video tutorial posted on Threads.
Post by @aaldahleView on Threads
The new backdrop tool appears when capturing or uploading a photo or video to Stories. Next to the existing icons at the top, there is now an additional icon that says “AI Backdrop.”
Tapping this brings up a text box prompting you to describe the backdrop you want. The image background then becomes checkered as the AI generates the backdrop.
Stories made using the AI backdrop feature will be tagged by Instagram. There will also be an added sticker letting viewers know the feature was used and providing the text prompt that was entered to create that particular backdrop.
Early feedback on the feature has been positive. Some users are creating fun, stylized backgrounds that would be difficult to produce manually. Others appreciate how it saves time compared to editing apps.
As with any new AI offering, there will likely be ongoing improvements over time. But it’s an intriguing new way for Instagram users to experiment with visually enhancing their Stories.
